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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"